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KLRU Distinguished Speakers Series: Dr. Beck Weathers

LBJ Library Auditorium

If there is such a thing as a good candidate for conquering Mount Everest, Dallas surgeon Dr. Beck Weathers should have been one. He began climbing mountains in Colorado at the age of 40 and his hobby quickly developed into an obsession. The next decade was spent transforming himself into a rugged athlete and an expert mountaineer. He trained constantly, worked himself to exhaustion in the gym, and made successful expeditions to reach the peaks of six of the world's seven tallest mountains. His ultimate goal, however, was to stand atop Mount Everest, the highest spot in the world.

Weathers nearly paid the ultimate price in trying to reach his ultimate goal. The doctor took part in the fabled and ill-fated expedition in May of 1996 that killed eight climbers and became the basis for Jon Krakauer's bestseller Into Thin Air. A series of miscalculations left Weathers separated from the rest of his party when a ferocious blizzard blew in and nearly froze him to death. Once found, Weathers was nearly left for dead, as Sherpa guides saw no chance for him to survive. Somehow, though, he did survive, though he lost his nose, his right hand, and part of his left hand to frostbite.

Now back in Dallas and back to work after extensive surgery, Weathers says he feels like the luckiest man alive. The same obsession that fueled his relentless drive to climb Everest turned into an indomitable will to live, thanks to his wife and family. "They talk about these things that you dream and you pursue, and you go out and see if you can find this thing that in some way validates you and makes you whole," he said in an interview with The Dallas Morning News. "And then when all is said and done, you come back and you discover that it was in your own back yard the whole time."

You can hear the story of this hero's journey when KLRU brings Dr. Weathers to the LBJ Library Auditorium as part of their Distinguished Speakers Series. It would be hard to

Events

EVENING CONCERT IN WOOLDRIDGE SQUARE Our beloved Wooldridge Square is 90 years old today, and in celebration Austin will virtually re-create the ceremony that inaugurated this little downtown oasis. Mayor Watson will speak, as did Mayor Wooldridge way back when, a chorus from Wooldridge Elementary will sing, and the Austin Civic Orchestra will play some of the same songs that Professor Besserer's band played in 1909. Should be a blast from the past. Sponsored by the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association. Fri, Jun 18, 7pm, Wooldridge Square, Ninth & Guadalupe. 478-1299.

CREATIVITY IN EDUCATION WORKSHOP All the great prophets of old went into the wilderness for inspiration and vision quests, and now teachers can do the same. Children's book author and renowned storyteller Dale Bulla leads a workshop on nurturing student creativity, helping students maximize their own potential and using storytelling in educational curriculum. The workshop takes place in the natural setting of McKinney Roughs. Bring a sack lunch. Fri, Jun 18, 8:30am-3:30pm, McKinney Roughs, Hwy 71, 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom Airport. $35. 800/776-5272 x8021.

INTEGRITY/AUSTIN MEETING Literature, spirituality, and sexuality all rolled into one meeting -- should make for lively discussion. Integrity/Austin is a group of lesbian and gay Episcopalians who meet once a month to share and discuss pertinent concerns. This month they will discuss "Giovanni's Room and Gay Christian Closets: A Theological Reading of James Baldwin." Sat, Jun 19, 7pm, Austin State Hospital Chapel, 41st & Guadalupe. 451- 1802 or http://www.integrityusa.org/austin.

HOUSE RABBIT RESOURCE NETWORK So you think Dr. Doolittle is just a dopey Eddie Murphy character? Not so! Valarie Cortes is an acclaimed animal communicator and she'll show you how to communicate with your pets using guided meditation. Find out what's been on your bunny's mind lately. (More carrots!) The House Rabbit Resource Network is an organization that promotes rabbit welfare through education and rabbit adoption services. Sat, Jun 19, 2-4:15pm, Town Lake Animal Center's Davenport Building, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez. 444-EARS.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE & YOU Tired of having the "antibiotic du jour" pushed on you by the drone at the HMO? What can you do about it? Find out at this panel presentation exploring alternatives to the U.S. Allopathic Health Care System. The panel of doctors and experts has been brought together by the Fun Company Toastmasters 22nd Century Thinking Speaker's Bureau. Sun, Jun 20, 3-5pm, Austin History Center, Ninth & Guadalupe. 459-5462.

WORLD PEACE & PRAYER DAY Boy, does this sound like a timely event! This is an international peace gathering where leaders of all spiritual traditions invite people of all or no faiths to join in a unified time of prayers for global peace and environmental healing. Here in Austin there will be prayer, ceremony, sharing, storytelling, singing, dancing, and drumming on the south grounds of the Capitol. If you cannot attend, please send your prayers along with the others. Please, no alcohol, drugs, firearms, or pets. Mon, Jun 21, 10am-1pm, Capitol Building. 894-0401 or http://www.worldpeaceday.com.

AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION Jump start your career by schmoozing with the right women. Don't know how? Don't worry about it. All you have to do is go to a meeting, eat a nice meal, and mingle. Several chapter members will speak, sharing their business histories and the experiences that have led to their success. Mon, Jun 21, 6pm, Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 8709 N. IH-35. $10 ($21 includes dinner, $2 off with early reservations). 837-4855.

CAREER RESOURCE CLUB Not just a job, an adventure! Build your network, schmooze the movers and shakers, set your sights on the job of your dreams. It's all within reach if you know where to look. The Meeting Place provides a good place to start, and this free networking/job search club meets every Tuesday. Dr. Claire Miner and professionals from the Austin Area Career Counselors Association will help you spruce up the old resume. Bring a copy of the current one to the meeting. Tue, Jun 22, 6-8pm, The Meeting Place, 2100 Northland. 323-9500.

AUSTIN GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY If you dig rocks, get your pick-axe out and tunnel on down to this meeting. Geologist Alan Cherepon will show some of the minerals that glow in the dark from the Karnes Uranium District in South Texas. The Society fosters interest in the earth sciences, sponsors an annual show, and offers scholarships to geology students. Thu, Jun 24, 7:30pm, 6719 Burnet Lane (east of Burnet Road). Free. 443-8053.

KLRU DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES You won't find too many people around who have climbed Mt. Everest, and even fewer who have been caught in a blizzard there and lived to tell about it. Dallas surgeon Dr. Beck Weathers is one of those rare individuals, and you can hear his hair-raising tale of survival when his group of 30 climbers found themselves trapped in a frigid storm. Eight of his compadres weren't so lucky. Find out how Dr. Weathers made it back as he delivers the third lecture in KLRU's impressive series. Thu, Jun 24, 7pm, LBJ Library Auditorium, 2313 Red River, UT campus. $35 ($75 premier seating & reception). 471-4811 orhttp://www.klru.org.

Civic Interest

LADIES OF CHOICE WOMEN'S SUMMIT There is strength in numbers, so plan on tapping into this network of women in the volunteer service field. The purpose of the summit is to share insights and ideas on issues that affect homes, churches, and communities. Some of the topics of discussion are spousal abuse, teen sexuality, parenting, welfare reform, and building self-esteem. Many prominent members of the Central Texas volunteer world will speak and lead discussions. Don't miss this meeting of the minds. Thu, Jun 17, 7pm; Fri, Jun 18, 9am-noon, 7pm; Sat, Jun 19, 9am-noon; Embassy Suites at the Arboretum, 9505 Stonelake. $35 (includes luncheon). 249-4517.

AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEM SOLVING Problems facing communities are best solved by the folks that live in those communities, and the Austin Police Department is offering some friendly help and advice. You'll learn the same techniques the police use in monitoring and controlling long-term community problems at this free Citizens' Academy for Problem Solving. The classes are intended for members of neighborhood associations, citizen coalitions, community service groups, and other concerned citizens. The courses are taught in three meetings: an all-day Sat class followed by two Mon night sessions. Next course starts Sat, Jun 19, 8:30am-4:30pm, APD Public Education Office, 4930 S. Congress. 416-5553.

AUSTIN LAROUCHE CONNECTION "Do you believe that the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade was an accident?" asks the press release from the LaRouchies. "Perhaps you also believe in the tooth fairy!" Perhaps you believe that all the world's problems stem from a conspiracy involving British secret agents and Deadhead spies. If so, you're not alone. Join the Austin LaRouche Connection for a discussion of key national and international political and economic events that affect our lives. Mon, Jun 21, 7:30-9:30pm, Denny's, 7820 Burnet. 800/580-6901.

PUBLIC FORUM ON ANTI-WAR ORGANIZING The bombs may have stopped falling, but the conflict seems far from over. Nagging questions of conscience won't go away either. If you found yourself bothered by the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, find out what others are doing to voice their displeasure at this forum sponsored by the Austin Peace and Justice Coalition. A panel of activists will give brief statements on the conflict, then open the floor for dialogue with the audience. Wed, Jun 23, 7pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 600 E. 50th. 452-7140 or 477-5902.

AISD VICTORY TUTORIAL PROGRAM You may not be an NBA superstar, but there are a lot of kids out there that would still appreciate your help with reading and other subjects. The AISD needs volunteers for two programs this summer. "Reading Buddies" help elementary school students improve their reading skills and develop a love of books. TAAS tutors help high school students get ready for the TAAS tests. Victory Program specialists provide orientation and on-site support; they'll need you a minimum of one hour per week. 499-7317.

SUMMER FAN DRIVE Help the elderly keep their cool this summer by donating new fans to the Family Eldercare Fan Drive co-sponsored by KXAN-TV 36 and MIX 94.7. The high temperatures of summer can be deadly to seniors whose health concerns and medications increase the danger of the heat. Fans can be dropped off Mon-Fri at the Family Eldercare offices during business hours, 3710 Cedar St. To volunteer or to receive a fan, call 459-4FAN.

UCPA COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PROJECT The United Cerebral Palsy Association is looking for big-hearted volunteers for this program which pairs people with disabilities with a "Connector." Volunteer Connectors are matched with people with disabilities according to mutual interests, goals, and experiences. Participants might join in community activities, work on individual goals, or just hang out and be pals. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of three hours per month for a six-month period. There is an application and training process prior to being matched. 834-1827.

HANDS ON HOUSING Put your construction and home repair skills to good use with this program run by Austin Metropolitan Ministries. Hands on Housing volunteers rebuild communities one house at a time. If you've been lying around on the couch watching Bob Vila reruns, why not get out and bang some nails? There are several projects currently in the works, and volunteers are always needed. 472-7627 x26.

Benefits

IWW MEETING & BENEFIT Remember when the IWW used to mean something? Guess what -- it still does! Join the Lucy Parsons General Membership Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World for an evening of song and merriment featuring the musical stylings of nationally touring anti-folk urban musician Jay Sand, benefiting the local IWW chapter. Grab a cup of joe, sit back, relax, and enjoy the music -- who knows what'll happen? Sat, Jun 19, 9:30-11:30pm, 503 Coffee Bar, 519 Oltorf. Free, donations accepted. 443-1741.

ANTI-ANDREWS ATOMIC WASTE DUMP BENEFIT Come on down for some caffeine and a good scream as we protest one of the stupidest ideas yet. The Andrews Nuclear Waste Dump is right upstream from us at the headwaters of the Colorado River. That's a recharge zone for both the Ogallala and the Dockum aquifers, and it's also on the rim of an ancient earthquake fault escarpment. Good planning! Bush, Gramm, and Hutchison, of course, are all for it. Come on down and raise some hell. Sun, Jun 20, 7pm, Ruta Maya Coffee House, Fourth & Lavaca. 472-9637.

Kids

DAIRY DAY AT PIONEER FARM Milk this for all it's worth! See how families used to get their milk straight from the cow. See how milk is churned into butter. Maybe the kids will finally appreciate how lucky they are to be able to get that stuff right out of the fridge, but it probably won't stop them from drinking out of the carton. Sun, Jun 20, 1-5pm, Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm, 11418 Sprinkle Cutoff Rd. $3 ($2 kids 3-12). 837-1215.

AUSTIN SYMPHONY: CHILDREN'S DAY ART PARKHere's a great way to let the kids toot their own horns. This program of the Austin Symphony features an Instrumental Petting Zoo which allows children to try out some of the instruments found in an orchestra. This week, enjoy the colorful sights and sounds of Roy Lozano's Ballet Folkloria. There's lots of other artsy-craftsy stuff to do as well, and lemonade for just 10 cents a cup! Picnicking is encouraged. Wed, Jun 23, 9:30am, Symphony Square, 1101 Red River. 50¢ per child (accompanying adults free). 476-6064.

HAMILTON POOL NATURE CLUB One of the true Hill Country treasures is Hamilton Pool, and the Preserve staff invites the kids out to join the Nature Club each Sat this summer. Activities include discovery hikes, beginning birdwatching, introduction to Central Texas snakes (yikes!), and ecology games. Pets are not allowed, and you should bring plenty of drinking water. Saturdays through Aug, 9:30-11am, Hamilton Pool Preserve, Hamilton Pool Rd.Class size limited; reservations required. 264-2740.

TERRA TOYS SCAVENGER HUNTS Don't just take the kids out to play -- they could be earning some dough. That's right, cold, hard cash money! That's what Terra Toys is paying to the winners of their Sat afternoon scavenger hunts. Show up at the store by noon, pick up a list of clues, come back when you have all the items, and you could be a winner. Fifteen clams for the grand prize, 10 bucks for second, and a Lincoln for third. OK, $5. Saturdays, noon-6pm, Terra Toys, 1708 S. Congress. 445-4489.

by J.C. Shakespeare JUNETEENTH FREEDOM WHEELS RUN/WALK You can roll, walk, or run through the hills in East Austin along the route of the Juneteenth Parade. Proceeds raised by this fun race will benefit the Greater East Austin Youth Association, and there will be categories for runners, walkers, wheelchairs, rollerblades, skateboards, and bicycles. There will also be a senior citizens division, so the fun will be shared by all ages. Registration: Givens Recreation Center, 3811 E. 12th. Sat, Jun 19, 7am, MLK & Comal.

FATHER'S DAY 5K CLASSIC Hey Dads, did you think you'd never wear that ugly tie? Well, guess what, wear it in this race and you could win a prize. This is the third annual Father's Day race, sponsored by RunTex and the PACE Project, a nonprofit organization working to keep parents in touch with their kids. The race is open to all family members, so keep Dad company while he runs. There's also a kids' 1K race at 9:30am. Besides the Ugly Tie Trophy, prizes will be given for the best times and for the family with the most generations competing together. Sun, Jun 20, 8:30am, RunTex, 422 Riverside. 467-0803.

RIVER CITY FLYER Now you can take a good old-fashioned steam train ride right through downtown Austin. The Austin Steam Train Association offers 90-minute round trips through East and Central Austin on a vintage train. Great family fun, and a great way to see the city. Sundays, 1 & 3pm, Fourth & Trinity. $15 ($10 kids 13 & under; $25/$14 for air-conditioned seats). 477-8468.

NATIONAL BARREL HORSE ASSOCIATION TEXAS CHAMPIONSHIPS See the fastest dang horses in Texas compete in this four-day event. There will be open, youth, and senior divisions, and the price of admission is two or more canned goods to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. The senior and youth races will take place on Thursday with the open competition Fri-Sun. Leave the pumpkin pie stuffing at home -- the Food Bank needs soups, stews, canned meats, vegetables, and juices. Thu-Sun, Jun 24-27, 8am Thu-Sat; 9am Sun, Travis County Expo Center. 376-2965.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 1999 TEXAS GOLF PASS Here's a great way to golf all over Texas; the golf pass gets you free green fees at 259 courses throughout Texas. The pass makes a great Father's Day gift, and all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The pass is valid through Dec 31, 1999, and it's only $35. Send check or money order to: American Cancer Society, 2433 Ridgepoint, Austin, TX 78754, or call 800/227-2345.